Love
. . .
Wednesday
Then
little children were being brought to him in order that
he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke
sternly to those who brought them; but Jesus said, ‘Let
the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for
it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.’
--Matthew 19:13-14
Children
whose parents have died of AIDS often suffer
severe discrimination. The term “AIDS orphans”
gives the impression that the children are HIV positive,
which is often not true, and they are ostracized by their
communities.
The economic impact of the millions of children orphaned
by HIV/AIDS is eroding traditional African social structures. Where
normally extended family would take on the extra children
if parents died, there are now an overwhelming number of
orphans who need support.
The
“child-headed household” is the tragic result.
Not only must the children work all day to get enough food,
but of course they also won’t be going to school,
making their futures bleak.
People like Mama Sipiriana are stepping into the gap.
“If
I don't do it, who will? These children are our future.
Those adults that are left and are healthy have to take
responsibility for our community’s future. Otherwise
we won’t have one.”
Sipiriana
is 55 and cares for about 16 orphans at
a time in two houses in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. Each
house is one tiny, dark, damp room, no bigger than a small
bathroom. Each contains only two mattresses to sleep eight
orphans.
A
microloan allowed Sipiriana to start a small business selling
fish and fabric in the village market. And some of her children
are sponsored through World Vision, helping them to eat,
stay healthy, and go to school. Several of the children
are learning trades that will help them keep off the streets.
A
Kenyan missionary remarks, “In the midst of all the
tragedy of AIDS, we must remember that the children are
a great harvest field for the Lord. If we abandon them now,
they will turn to lives of crime and brokenness. In meeting
their basic needs for shelter, food, and belonging, we have
an opportunity to reach out to them with the Lord’s
hands.”
Contributed by World Vision
Loving
Lord, help us to follow your example of reaching out to
the children with God's love and healing. We ask that
you bless Mama Sipiriana and all the others in Kenya who
are working so hard to care for the children who have
lost their parents. Bless them with strength and the resources
they need to provide a safe environment in which the children
can grow and thrive. We pray this in your precious name.
Amen.
An
Advent Journey